Sorry Cowboy, but Nate’s the dog this time around.
The 24 hours of craziness is over and it’s been confirmed that Nate Diaz will be stepping in to fight Conor McGregor in place of the injured Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 196.
Before Diaz was officially given the nod, there were a lot of names being linked to the fight such as Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis and even Manny Gamburyan at one point. However, when RDA pulled out, there was one name that sprung to mind for everyone.
But once Frankie Edgar ruled himself out with injury, the second name on everyone’s lips was company man Donald Cerrone, who’s been known to take fights on short notice.
Cowboy fought at welterweight last weekend, but after scoring a first round submission victory he let the UFC bigwigs know that he would be willing to fight again at UFC London or UFC 196. When RDA withdrew, it was as if all his prayers had been answered.
Pick me pick me 🙋🏽 https://t.co/SSWr82djR5
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 23, 2016
It would have been a big weight cut for Cerrone to get down to lightweight in the space of 12 days, but Cowboy was prepared to try his hardest to make 155.
This was Cerrone on the running machine already going for the weight cut in anticipation of the call from Dana White…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCIys4zOfbM/
He even hired famed fighter nutritionist Mike Dolce to help him make weight.
Cerrone retained the services of @TheDolceDiet as of last night, Dolce confirmed with me minutes ago. Doing his part to get ready if need be
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 23, 2016
However, it was not to be. Nick’s younger brother was granted his Red Panty Night, a five round welterweight war. Needless to say, Cerrone was disappointed.
Fuck!
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 24, 2016
